The 2021 Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan are one of the most-highly anticipated sporting events of the 21st century.
Due in part to the fact that the Games of the XXXII Olympiad will be starting almost a year late.
Yes, the 2021 Olympics were supposed to be the "2020" Olympics. But, when the COVID-19 global pandemic stopped travel and caused the world to quarantine, the games were postponed to the following summer.
For many fans of the Olympics, this has been a confusing schedule to follow. So, below, I am going to try to provide an answer for every question you could have about the 2021 Summer Olympics.
Are the Olympics happening?
Yes, the Olympics are happening this year.
Though, the 32nd edition of the Summer Olympics was set to take place in 2020, officials postponed the event due to the global coronavirus pandemic. Instead, the Summer Olympics will be held in Japan throughout July and August of 2021.
When and where are the Olympics?
The 2020 Summer Olympics will be take place in Japan over the course two weeks in the summer of 2021. They will start with the Opening Ceremonies place on July 23rd, 2021 at the Japan National Stadium in Tokyo. The Closing Ceremonies will take place seventeen days later on August 8th, 2021.
Are the Olympics every year?
No, the Summer Olympics are typically held every four years. The Winter Olympics, though, are also held every four years, but in between the Summer games. This means that every two years, either the Summer Olympics or Winter Olympics will take place.
Why are the Olympics still being called "Tokyo 2020"?
The name Tokyo 2020 is being kept despite the Olympics taking place a year later in 2021. Though it is confusing, the name and year are being used for branding purposes. This is most likely because much of the design and marketing materials were created well before the Olympics were postponed.
The 202o Olympic Games in Tokyo is the first time the Olympics have been postponed, instead of being cancelled altogether. The only times the Summer Olympic Games have been cancelled was in 1916, due to World War I, and 1940 and 1944, due to World War II.
Are the Olympics allowing spectators?
Yes, and no. The Tokyo Olympics are not allowing international spectators, meaning that only Japanese citizens will be allowed to attend the games.
